Television ads aim to bring SFlbOhio Catholics back into fold

The Archdiocese of Cincinnati is turning to TV commercials to try to bring wayward Catholics back into the fold.

The Cincinnati Enquirer reported that the church plans to air more than 1,700 TV commercials in Cincinnati, Dayton and Lima from Dec. 14 to Jan. 20. The media blitz is expected to reach millions of viewers in the 19-county archdiocese.

At least eight ads will run, featuring testimonials from Catholics who returned to the faith and others that focus on the church’s history and accomplishments.

The so-called “evangomercials,” are produced by Catholics Come Home, an Atlanta-based nonprofit dedicated to evangelizing for the faith. The group has produced similar campaigns for 33 dioceses and says they boost Mass attendance by an average of 10 percent.